Cops and Courts

Drag performer calls off investigation as police look into alleged victim’s story

MORGANTOWN — The Morgantown Police Department is “actively following up” on “several inconsistencies” surrounding an alleged attack that took place on the Pleasant Street Bridge in the early morning hours of May 27.

According to a press release, Jared Rote, the victim of the alleged assault, filed a discontinue investigation form with the Morgantown Police on June 11.

The city’s communication office said Rote gave no reason for wanting to call off the investigation, during which two officers were never able to identify or interview any potential suspects.

Rote first spoke with officers at Mon Health Medical Center on the morning of May 27. He said he was attacked by three people while walking toward South Park at about 3:45 a.m.

Rote had minor lacerations on his chest, face and arms. He could not provide a description of the suspects, Deputy Chief Eric Powell said at the time.

 Following the reported attack, a march and rally were held in support of Rote, who is a drag performer in Morgantown under the name Ophelia Jewels, according to social media.

Asked if the MPD had any reason to believe the investigation was predicated on a false report, Morgantown Communication Manager Andrew Stacy said, “The investigation revealed several inconsistencies in his original story and we are actively following up on these inconsistencies.”

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